What follows is the text of a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran on Sunday about Tehran’s stances on maritime security and safety in the Strait of Hormuz:
The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a responsible state committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, has always respected the principle of freedom of navigation and the security and safety of maritime navigation. Over the years, it has strived to uphold these principles in the maritime areas of the region, including the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman. It is evident that the respect for these principles in practice, including passage through the Strait of Hormuz, is only conceivable in light of respect for the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the coastal state.
Following the military aggression of the US and the Zionist regime against Iran on February 28, 2026, which constitutes a clear violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter and the peremptory norm prohibiting the use of force, a dangerous situation has been imposed on the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, the effects of which directly influence the safety and security of maritime navigation and shipping.
In exercising its inherent right to self-defense against the aggressor parties, the Islamic Republic of Iran has targeted US military bases and facilities in the region and has implemented a series of measures to ensure that aggressors and their supporters do not misuse the Strait of Hormuz to advance their aggressive objectives against Iran. As the coastal state of the Strait of Hormuz, the Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with established principles and rules of international law, has prevented the passage of vessels belonging to or associated with aggressor parties and participants in their aggressions.
At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a responsible approach to prevent imposing additional risks on ships and seafarers in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman, has taken a series of precautionary measures.
Accordingly, and as has been repeatedly emphasized, the Strait of Hormuz is not blocked, and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has not been halted. Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz continues in accordance with the necessary precautionary measures mentioned above and considers the conditions arising from the state of conflict.
It is emphasized that vessels, means, and any capacities belonging to the aggressor parties, namely the US and the Zionist regime, as well as other participants in this aggression, do not possess the description of normal and non-hostile passage and will be dealt with according to the legal status arising from the conflict in accordance with the decisions and measures of Iran’s competent authorities.
Non-hostile ships or those belonging to and associated with other countries, provided that they do not participate in or cooperate with aggressive operations against Iran and comply with the announced safety and security regulations and measures, can benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Iran’s competent authorities.
It is evident that the responsibility for any disruptions, insecurity, and increasing danger in this waterway and its surrounding region rests squarely on the US regime and the Zionist regime, which have imposed an illegal and criminal war against Iran, threatening the security and stability of the region as well as the safety and security of international maritime navigation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran once again emphasizes that any arrangements, initiatives, or mechanisms related to the safety and security of shipping in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman must be conducted in full compliance with the rights and interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in coordination with Iran’s competent authorities, and taking into account the realities arising from aggression and the state of conflict. It is clear that the full restoration of security and sustainable stability in this strait requires the end of military aggression, the cessation of destabilizing threats, the halting of the US and the Zionist regime's destabilizing actions, and full respect for Iran's legitimate interests.